Crowds turn out for Katy Holmes memorial

Despite torrential weather warnings the rain stopped just in time for the annual Katy Holmes tribute picnic.

People gathered at Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham, Preston to set balloons loose into the sky in memory of Katy, who died of a brain tumour aged 10 in 2012 and would have celebrated her 13th birthday on Monday.

Katy Holmes Picnic in the Park event at Hurst Grange Park in Penwortham Justine Forrest prepares to judge in the bakery competition

Since Katy lost her battle with the disease, her mother Paula and dad David set up the Katy Holmes Trust - a charity that aims to spread awareness of paediatric brain tumours and raise money to fund research.

And Paula believes Katy was watching over the day from the heavens as the family fundraiser managed to escape the predicted showers.

She said: “We thought we would have bad weather because it had been raining beforehand.

“Every day on Katy’s birthday since she was born the sun has always shined and luckily the rain stayed away again and only started as soon as we were packing away the car.”

The family was joined by a number of volunteers from across Preston and the trust are still collecting money from the event.

“We are always very grateful for the help we get,” said Paula.

“People came out despite the weather warnings and so many businesses like Preston Honda and people from around Preston turned up.

“We saw the Stormtroopers on a retail park the day before and they offered to pop down, they were a big hit and very kind.

“We hosted it on a Sunday and Katy’s birthday was on the Monday.

“Receiving all the kind thank-you emails and messages of support the day after the event really helped

“The picnic and event helps us get through it as a family. We always feel grateful for the support.

“We hope people have got the message about brain tumours and that events like this can raise more awareness.